Pupils at Hummersknott Comprehensive School in Darlington are set to have an extra hour of lessons at the end of their day.

Language and technology classes are to be introduced for pupils at a time when most youngsters are on their way home.

The school, which has been designated a language college by the Department of Education, says the move is to meet Government attainment targets.

Pupils studying for their GSCEs will stay behind to study a language on a rota basis during the week.

A new GNVQ in information communication technology is also being introduced and youngsters will be able to stay an hour later to make use of school computers.

The decision to extend the school timetable is being brought in after a talks with Darlington Borough Council, governors and parents, who were invited to a public meeting.

Teachers staying an extra hour to teach languages will be offered time off during the day in lieu.

The school has stressed that lessons will be timetabled for individual youngsters so not to clash with their commitments in sport and music, for instance.

Hummersknott, which hopes to complete work to create a new language suite during the autumn term, says it will try to arrange transport for youngsters who live away from the school and are studying late.